Tag: replace

Signs It's Time to Replace an Electrical Panel

Hand interacting with an electrical panel and organized circuit breakers on a wooden wall.

Know When to Get an Electrical Panel Upgrade

An electrical or breaker panel is the central component of a household's electrical system. It distributes electricity to different circuits within the house. It consists of circuit breakers, which act as safety switches that trip when there is an overload or short circuit. This cuts off power to the affected circuit and prevents potential electrical hazards, such as electrical fires. Knowing when to replace an electrical panel is essential to ensuring the safety and efficiency of the electrical system in a home.

Your House Has a Fuse Box

fuse boxIf a house still has a fuse box, it’s a sign that a change might be needed. Fuse boxes are considered outdated since they stopped being installed around the 60s and 70s, meaning that if a home still has one, it’s old, and a new electrical panel installation is likely necessary. 

The biggest difference between fuse boxes and electrical panels is that panels have circuit breakers that can be reset when they trip. On the other hand, a blown fuse in a fuse box needs to be manually replaced each time it happens. It is recommended that an old fuse box be replaced with a modern electrical panel to improve convenience and home safety. 

The Electrical Panel Is Old or Corroded

old electrical panelLike any good piece of equipment in the household, the electrical panel is made to last a long time. That being said, eventually, it will need to be replaced. Electrical panels have a lifespan of about 25 to 40 years, so if a home has a panel in that range, it should be inspected to determine if a replacement is needed.

A common problem with aging electrical panels can be rust and corrosion. Corrosion and damage to an electrical panel can compromise electrical safety, so it’s crucial to call an electrician to inspect the panel if any damage, rust, or corrosion is spotted. A new electrical panel installation can help keep the home’s electrical system safe. 

Circuit Breakers Trip Often

Circuit breakers are the defensive mechanism of an electrical system. They are designed to trip or shut off the power if they detect an overload of electricity or a short circuit. So, if circuit breakers begin to trip more often or frequently, an electrician should be called to inspect them. 

It is something to be attentive to as it could be a sign that the panel is no longer adequate for the needs of the home. This could be due to adding new appliances that increase the house's electrical needs. So, frequently tripping breakers can mean that the electrical panel needs to be upgraded to match the home’s electrical demands.

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a local family-owned business serving the Lansing area. They offer fast response, financing, and trusted technicians. Call them for electrical panel replacement and services in Lansing, MI. 

Is It Time To Replace the Air Conditioner? 3 Signs That Point to Yes

Air conditioning unit on concrete platform with metal grate, green light, against brick wall in Lansing, MI.

Warning Signs the AC Needs Replacement Before Summer

There’s nothing better than relaxing in a cool, comfortable house after a long day in the summer sun! The trouble is, homes don’t always stay cool and comfortable even with an air conditioner. It’s easy to forget about the air conditioner when it’s working, but this unsung hero does break down and eventually requires replacing. 

But biting that bullet is a loathsome thought for most homeowners. Air conditioners aren’t exactly cheap, and it makes sense to replace one only when it absolutely needs it. Keep reading to determine if the AC is giving warning signs that it needs retired before summer arrives.

The Unit Is of Retiring Age 

How old is too old for an air conditioner? AC units last pretty long, all things considered. Their life span sits between ten and twenty years, depending on use and maintenance. However, once a unit has reached twenty years, replacement is definitely on the horizon. The chances of an air conditioning unit making it another five years are slim, and the older a unit gets, the harder it is to find replacement parts to keep it running. 

This is especially true for air conditioning machines using R-22 freon for coolant have been officially outmoded by the United States government. R-22 freon can no longer be purchased or produced, and if an AC machine needs R-22, the only option is to replace the entire unit. 

The Unit Is Wasting Money & Energy

bill

With age and wear comes cost and waste. Older units require more frequent repairs, which means more money going down the drain to keep the unit in working order. Unfortunately, repairs only last for so long. Air conditioners become money pits as they age, and it’s not just the repairs increasing the bill. 

As air conditioners struggle to keep up with demand, the home’s energy efficiency will suffer. Inefficient air conditioners are constantly cycling as they attempt to cool down a house. No matter how hard the unit tries, it simply can’t cool the home like it used to. Aside from being environmentally unfriendly, this energy inefficiency will increase utility bills, all while only postponing the inevitable cost of replacing the air conditioner. 

The House Is Hot

hot at home If the house is hot, but the thermostat says the air conditioner is running, well, then it may be time to replace the unit itself. There are times when the air conditioner does not need replacing, and a repair or cleaning fixes the problem. The condenser coil may need cleaning, or the fan may need replacing, for example. But, most homeowners cannot make that decision. A qualified HVAC technician will investigate if a minor repair is required or if replacement is the best option. 

If replacement is the only option, an HVAC expert will know. They’re trained to weigh the benefits of repairs versus the long-term expense and guide homeowners whose air conditioners are at risk of failing. If two or more of these warning signs have shown up in the home, there’s a good chance that the best option to preventing an uncomfortably hot summer is AC replacement. 

Let Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical Keep Your House Cool This Summer

Lansing, Michigan, has been getting a helping HVAC hand from the Merdian Company since 1984. Their experts are available 24/7 to take care of heating and cooling emergencies. Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical makes HVAC repairs and maintenance easy with their affordable services and financing options. Give them a call today for AC installation in Lansing, MI.